Monday, December 31, 2012

Manabu Peak: An Unexpected Hike


August 18-19, 2012

Mt. Manabu
Sto. Tomas, Batangas

This was an impromptu  climb as it was unexpected at all. It was supposedly a climb in Mt. Mayon but due to a long story we were not able to do so. Stranded in Alaminos, Laguna, I made an initiative to climb Manabu Peak instead. It really helps to have keen sense of geography so Noli and I did not have any hard time to go to Sto. Tomas, Batangas.


At around 9 am, we arrived at the jump-off point. This is where we rendevous kuya Tootz and his friend. Aside from us, a bunch of students conducted a tree planting activity at the mountain. We took the traditional route so my companions could have coffee at Mang Pirying's place. Unfortunately the old man was not around but his brother was as hospitable as the former.

We pitched camp a little under the peak. As soon as we have settled before lunch time, we decided to reach the summit. At the peak, one can see a giant cross built at its center.

During the afternoon, Noli and I decided to have some coffee again and refill some water around Mang Pirying's place. Through a radio, we learned about DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo's disappearance. One of the disadvantage of this hobby is being away from current affairs. When we returned at the campsite, there are a lot of hikers had arrived.

Rain came when it was nightfall. It was hard and heavy causing mud all over the campsite. Luckily, it did not last long and we able to eat supper without any rain.

The next day when we woke up, nobody bother to watch the sunrise probably due to the cold weather during the night. Anyway, our group were the first one to leave the camp as we would embark at the grotto trail.

It was also easy like the other trail except their were also some steep parts along the path to the grotto. In addition, there is a part whre you can plant trees like the students the day before. At the grotto, there is a water source that one can use.

Due to the rain, mud was all over the place that made it much more harder to trek the trail. Just before noon we were able to return at the jump-off point. We ate lunch at Lipa before we left for home.


3 comments:

  1. Sir,
    My buddy and I are planning to climb manabu peak. Can you give us a simple Itinerary? contact person or guide and other valuable info to make our climb safe. We plan to do the climb this May. Day hike only.

    Thanks and more support!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sir, kindly check the itinerary of Manabu in my climb itinerary page... Guides are not required in Mt. Manabu...

      Delete